A segmented, belt-driven conveyor system for use in clean environments is described. High speed, high density, collision free throughput of work piece carriers is enabled through belt-driven conveyor segments each having co-rotating drive wheels. The drive wheels have a cylindrical profile. Predefined acceleration/deceleration profiles may be employed by a motor controller to affect optimal changes in work piece carrier speed across the respective drive segment.

A belt tension-reducing device is provided, which includes a support member; a pliable central wheel assembly configured to engage a both downwardly and upwardly moving portions of the conveyor belt; first and second outboard roller assemblies positioned to engage the downwardly and upwardly moving portions, respectively. A second effective rolling radius of the pliable central wheel assembly at a contact point with the upwardly moving portion of the conveyor belt can be greater than a first effective rolling radius of the pliable central wheel assembly at a contact point with the downwardly moving portion of the conveyor belt to reduce stresses on the belt in a vertical shaft. The belt tension-reducing devices can be arranged in a stacked configuration within the vertical shaft.

A belt tension-reducing device is provided, which includes a support member; a pliable central wheel assembly configured to engage a both downwardly and upwardly moving portions of the conveyor belt; first and second outboard roller assemblies positioned to engage the downwardly and upwardly moving portions, respectively. A second effective rolling radius of the pliable central wheel assembly at a contact point with the upwardly moving portion of the conveyor belt can be greater than a first effective rolling radius of the pliable central wheel assembly at a contact point with the downwardly moving portion of the conveyor belt to reduce stresses on the belt in a vertical shaft. The belt tension-reducing devices can be arranged in a stacked configuration within the vertical shaft.

Conveyor system for transport of food products includes a curved pathway defined by a profiled track, and wheel cars having wheels that are movably contained within and guided by the track. A removable connector is positioned between and separates a pair of the wheel cars, the wheel cars and connectors form part of a continuous transport chain extending along the pathway. The transport chain has an attachment side facing an open side of the track, and the track is arranged with the open side facing substantially horizontally such that the attachment side is oriented substantially vertically during motion of the wheel cars along the pathway. A carrier is pivotably mounted to the attachment side of the transport chain to maintain its carrier rack horizontal as the carrier travels along the pathway. The connectors reduce substantially the number of wheel cars and corresponding wheels, also reducing noise and wear during operation.